Sheikh Haitham Bin Saqr Inaugurates Pearl Of The East Coast Festival In Kalba City

The inaugural "Pearl of the East Coast" festival commenced in Kalba City, with Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Ruler’s Office, in attendance. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this event will run until 26th January 2025 at Kalba Hanging Gardens. It highlights Kalba's cultural heritage, marine and agricultural environments, tourist attractions, and environmental treasures.

Numerous dignitaries attended the opening ceremony. These included Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Kalba City Council; and Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Khor Fakkan. Other notable attendees were Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI, along with several board members from the Sharjah Chamber.

The festival aims to boost economic activity and support eco-tourism while preserving Kalba's cultural heritage. It features initiatives designed to highlight environmental diversity and promote traditional craftsmanship. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais remarked on the festival's importance in showcasing ancestral crafts and providing artisans a platform to display their work.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthem and a poetic recital celebrating Kalba's history and cultural legacy. The poem praised Kalba Hanging Gardens' beauty, a significant tourist attraction. A visual presentation followed, highlighting development projects across economic, tourism, and agricultural sectors in Kalba.

The festival offers six main tracks focusing on different aspects of Kalba’s life. The first track showcases local crops like lemons and berries through sales platforms. The second track highlights the marine environment with sea tales and fishing tool workshops. The third track is dedicated to dairy products from Kalba.

The fourth track focuses on birds of prey with educational lectures and exhibitions on raptor supplies. The fifth track provides platforms for equestrian supplies sales and horse-related activities. Finally, the sixth track includes video presentations and lectures on mangrove trees' significance in the UAE.

Engaging Activities for All

A diverse range of entertainment and cultural activities are available for visitors during the three-day festival from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event also features dazzling fireworks displays and purebred horse shows that captivate attendees.

Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi toured various pavilions after the ceremony with other attendees. They received briefings from representatives about activities, programmes, and agricultural products on display at the festival.

The "Pearl of the East Coast" festival collaborates with several organisations such as Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Mleiha Dairy Farm, Kalba Centre for Birds of Prey, and Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre to offer a rich experience for visitors.

This event not only raises awareness about environmental sustainability but also provides investors opportunities to explore tourism potential in Kalba's economic sectors.

With inputs from WAM